Low cost switching arrangement for appliance motor speed control

ABSTRACT

A switching arrangement for a motor control system for a small appliance such as a blender is provided which includes a housing and a plurality of longitudinally movable, push button-operated switch actuators located therein. Each actuator carries a switch contact which, together with a corresponding set of contacts associated with the housing, forms a control switch. The actuators are adapted to cooperate with a plurality of laterally displaceable blocks to provide positive lock-out of the other actuators when one actuator is depressed unless a further actuator is positively actuated. The control switches operated by the actuators control the energization of the stator windings associated with the motor and a contact located on one of the blocks together with a housing-mounted contact forms a range switch for controlling the connection of a diode into the motor control circuit. The provision of two taps on one stator winding enables a system of eight actuator-operated control switches and the range switch to provide seven motor speeds as well as disconnection of the motor.

United States Patent [191 [1 1 3,732,476 Cairelli 1 May 8, 1973 [54] LOWCOST SWITCHING ARRANGEMENT FOR APPLIANCE Primary ExaminerJ. D. MillerMOTOR SPEED CONTROL Assistant ExaminerRobert J. Hickey [75] Inventor:Carmen P. Cairelli, Farmington, Attorney-Mueller and Alchele 57 ABSTRACT[73] Asslgnee: r z g gr gg gg Company A switching arrangement for amotor control system for a small appliance such as a blender is providedFiledl y 1971 which includes a housing and a plurality of longitu- [21]Appli No; 145 925 dinally movable, push button-operated switch actua-Related U.S. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 858,431,Sept. 16, 1969, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl. ..318/305, 200/5 E [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lh 9/26 [58] Field ofSearch ..318/305, 351; 200/5 E, 5 EA [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 3,519,766 7/1970 Mackway..'. ..200/5 EA 3,286,150 11/1966 Wilsonet al.... ....318/351 X 3,399,282 8/1968 Nagashima ..200/5 E 3,420,9691/1969 Edwards et al. ...200/5 EA 3,470,332 9/1969 Milner et al.......200/5 EA 3,476,890 11/1969 Powell ..200/5 EA tors located therein.Each actuator carries a switch contact which, together with acorresponding set of contacts associated with the housing, forms acontrol switch. The actuators are adapted to cooperate with a pluralityof laterally displaceable blocks to provide positive lock-out of theother actuators when one actuator is depressed unless a further actuatoris positively actuated. The control switches operated by the actuatorscontrol the energization of the stator windings associated with themotor and a contact located on one of the blocks together with ahousingmounted contact forms a range switch for controlling theconnection of a diode into the motor control circuit. The provision oftwo taps on one stator winding enables a system of eightactuator-operated control switches and the range switch to provide sevenmotor speeds as well as disconnection of themotor.

11 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDKAY' 8W SHEET 1 OF 3 INVENTORSCARMEN F? CAIRELLI ATTORNEYS PATENTEDHAY 8191a 3,732,476

SHEET 2 UF 3 LEFT RIGHT INVENTOR CARMEN F. CA| RELLI BY $3 0a- ATTOR NI-IYS LOW COST SWITCHING ARRANGEMENT FOR APPLIANCE MOTOR SPEED CONTROLCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 858,431, filed Sept. 16, 1969, nowabandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to switchingarrangements and more particularly to push button-actuated switchingarrangements used in motor control circuits for home appliances and thelike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A number of problems must be overcome inproducing satisfactory switching arrangements for use in the motorcontrol circuits of home appliances such as blenders or the like. Ingeneral, such switching arrangements must be reliable and effective yetmust be relatively inexpensive. Further, the construction of themechanical switching system as well as the electrical circuitry usedtherewith should be relatively simple because of manufacturing andmaintenance considerations. These problems are made even more difficultwhere multi-speed appliances are involved in that both the electricaland mechanical controls therefor must be correspondingly more complex.

A conventional form of switching arrangement in accordance with theprior art includes a multi-wound motor and a series of diodes which areselectively switched in and out of the control circuit. Motors used withthis arrangement are expensive in that four separate coils are used inthe motor stator. In general, because of the number of stator coils usedand because of the number of switching functions which must beperformed, the switching arrangements of this type are both complicatedand expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention an extremelyeconomical switching arrangement is provided which is relatively simplein construction both electrically and mechanically.

Considering some of the advantages of the present invention, asincorporated in a specific motor control switching a Witchingarrangement according to the invention includes a motor control systemwherein two simple taps on a stator coil are used in providing a sevenspeed control for the motor. In accordance with further features of theinvention, the make contacts of the switching arrangement are allconnected together and the switches utilized are all single-throwswitches and thereby provide the contact economy attendant suchswitches. The mechanical construction of switching arrangement isrugged, compact and reliable and provides both effective lock-out ofnon-actuated switches and effective detenting of an actuated switch sothat the operation of the arrangement is not effected by mechanicalshocks and vibrations. In addition, the mechanical construction of theswitch arrangement eliminates the need for return springs, latches,locking devices and the like normally associated with such arrangements.

In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, aswitching arrangement for a motor control system for a small applianceor the like is provided which includes a housing and a plurality oflongitudinally movable, push button-operated switch actuators locatedtherein. Each actuator carries a switch contact which together withcorresponding contact or set of contacts associated with the housingforms a control switch. The actuators are adapted to cooperate aplurality of laterally displaceable blocks to provide positive lock-outof the other actuators when one actuator is actuated unless a furtheractuator is positively actuated, as well as to provide detenting of theactuated actuator. Cooperating beveled surfaces on the actuators andblocks provide a wedging action that causes de-actuation of a previouslyactuated actuator when a further actuator is depressed. The controlswitches operated by the actuators control the energization of thestator windings associated with the motor. A contact located on one ofthe blocks forms a range switch with a housing-mounted contact or set ofcontacts for controlling the connection of a diode into the motorcontrol circuit. The provision of two taps on one stator winding enablesa system of eight actuatorcontrolled control switches and the rangeswitch to provide seven motor speeds as well as disconnection of themotor, in response to the depression of the various actuators.

In one embodiment of the invention all of the actuators are arranged onthe same level in the housing whereas in a second embodiment theactuators are ar ranged on two levels within the housing.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in orapparent from the detailed description of presently preferredembodiments thereof found hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS I FIG. 1 is a plan view, partiallybroken away, of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view, partially broken away, taken generally alongline 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the motor control system of thepresent invention;

FIG, 4 is a sectional view, partially broken away, taken generally alongline 4-4 of FIG. 5 showing a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view, partially broken away, of the second embodimentof the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS and movable Referring to FIGS.1 and 2, a switching device 10 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention includes a housing 12 open at the top side only and aplurality of push button actuators l3, 14, 15, l6, 17, 18, 19 and 20.Considering push button actuator 16 as exemplary and referring to FIG. 2in particular, actuator 16 includes a push button portion 16a whichextends outwardly of housing 12 through an opening in an end wallthereof, an insulating body or carrier portion 16b formed integrallywith push button 16a and movable therewith, and a conductive contact 16cmounted in and carried by body portion 16b. The end of body portion 16bis generally V-shaped as viewed in plan,

beveled surfaces 16d and 16e coacting with similarly beveled surfaces oncontrol blocks described hereinbelow. As is shown in FIG. 2, bodyportion 16b includes a downwardly extending flat-bottomed base portionwhich is adapted to slide on a floor portion 12a of housing 12.

A circuit board 22 is secured to housing 12 by suitable conventionalmeans and includes a series of sets of three contacts generally denotedC. Contacts C are located on the interior surface of circuit board 22and each set ispositioned adjacent an associated push button switchcontact corresponding to contact 160 described hereinabove. Theidentifying numbers for the contacts of each set include the number usedin identifying the adjacent push-button actuator and, thus, referring toFIG. 2, the set of contacts adjacent push button actuator 16 are denoted16,, 16 and 16 With push button actuator 16 in the undepressed positionthereof, actuator switch contact 160 provides a conductive path betweencontacts 16 and 16 and thus completes any circuit connected betweenthese contacts. With actuator 16 depressed (see actuator 18 of FIG. 1) aconductive path is completed between contacts 16 and 16 A series ofslidable control blocks 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 are positionedalong the wall of housing 12 opposite actuators 13 to 20. Blocks 27 to33 are capable of being displaced laterally but are precluded fromlongitudinal movement by a stop member 12b which projects upwardly fromfloor 12a of the housing 12 (see FIG. 2). Stop member 12b also serves inlimiting the travel of switch actuator members 13 to 20. As mentionedhereinabove blocks 27 to 30 include beveled surfaces which coact withthe end surfaces of corresponding actuators. For example, with pushbutton actuator 18 depressed as shown the end surfaces 18d and 18ethereof engage corresponding beveled surfaces of blocks 31 and 32,respectively, and act to wedge blocks 31 and 32 apart. It is noted thatthe walls of housing adjacent block members 27 and 32 include outwardlyextending portions whichalso beveled to produce the wedging actiondescribed hereinabove. The spacing between blocks 27 to 33 is such thatonly onepush-button actuator can be depressed at a time, the arrangementthus providing positive lock-out. Further, the wedging action describedhereinabove provides detenting so i that the actuators are held securelyin place. Depression of a further actuator will cause the previouslyactuated actuator to be returned to the initial position thereof throughthe wedging action of the corresponding blocks. Thus, the arrangementprovides positive return of previously actuated actuators without thenecessity for return springs and the like conventionally associated withsuch arrangements.

As mentioned hereinabove, in accordance with a further feature of theinvention, positive detenting of the actuators 13 to is provided. As canbe best seen in FIG. 2, contact 16c includes an upwardly extendingprojection or protuberance 16cc which engages between the contacts ofcontact set C. A coil spring 1605 biasses contact 160 outwardly(upwardly in FIG. 2) so that good electrical contact is maintained. Inthe normal, unactuated position of actuator, 16 shown in FIG. 2, contactprojection 16cc engages between contacts 16 and 16 When actuator 16 isactuated by depressing push-button on 16a, projection 16cc rides overterminal 16 and snaps into position between terminals 16 and 16;,contact 160 being detented in this position through the cooperativeaction of projection 1600 and spring 160s.

It will be appreciated that, for example, with actuator 18 depressed,all of the blocks to the left thereof as viewed in FIG. 1, namely blocks27, 28, 29, 30 and 31, will be displaced to left and all of the blocksto right thereof, namely blocks 32 and 33, will be displaced to theright. Block 30 is provided with a switch contact 30a mounted in therear surface thereof which cooperates with a set of three stationaryswitch contacts 34a, 34b and 34c mounted in the rear wall of housing andextending therethrough to positions adjacent contact 30a. With block 30in a first portion, that is, the left position thereof shown in FIG. 1,a conductive path will be provided between switch contacts 34a and 34bwhereas with block 30 in the second or right position thereof and aconductive path will be provided between contacts 34a and 34b. As isindicated in broken lines in FIG. 1 regarding blocks 30, as well as inFIG. 2, blocks 27 to 31 are provided with detenting arrangements similarto those described hereinabove. As is discussed in more detailhereinbelow contacts 34a, 34b and 340 constitute a range switch withcontact 30a.

As discussed hereinabove the switching arrangement described is part ofa motor control system for a home appliance or the like, which is shownschematically at FIG. 3, the switch contacts shown in F IG.* 3corresponding to those described hereinabove. Thus with push-buttonactuator 18 depressed, contact 18 is connected to in-circuit contact 18whereas withactuator 18 in the normal, undepressed positionthereofcontact 18 is connected to open contact 18,-. The motor controlsystem of FIG. 3 includes a motor 40 including stator coils 42 and 44.One end 42a of coil 42 is connected to contact 14 and to contact 17whereas the other end 42b is connected to contact 20 A'first tap 420along coil 42 is connected to contact 15 and to contact 18 whereas asecond tap 42d is connected'to contact 16 and to contact 19 Contact 13is connected to a supply source which for a home appliance is v astandard A.C. inlet 48. Contact 13 is connected to.

and 3 together with push-button actuator 14 depressed Y a conductingpath will be provided between contacts 14 and 14 by actuator switchcontact Me and, because block 30 will be moved to the right, aconductive path will be provided between contacts 34b and 34c. Underthese circumstances a ciruit will be completed through diode 46 andthrough end 42a.of coil 42 to the grounded end of coil 44. Similarly,with (l) actuator 15 and (2) actuator 16 depressed, circuits will becompleted through (I) diode 46 and through tap 42c and (2) diode 46 andtap 42d, respectively. On the other hand, depression of any of switchactuators 17, 18, 19 and 20, will cause block 30 to be displaced to theright and consequently, the disconnection of diode 46, a conductive pathbeing provided between contacts 34b and 34a. Further, the depression of(l) actuator 17, (2) actuator 18, and 3) actuator 19 causes thecompletion of a circuit including coil 44 and (I) all of coil 42, (2)two-thirds of coil 42 and (3) onethird of coil 42. Similarly, withpush-button depressed, coil 42 is completely disconnected from thecircuit. Push-button 13 is the stop button and causes disconnection ofmotor 40 from the power source, i.e., inlet 48. Thus, as statedhereinabove, switch actuators 14 to 20 provide seven different motorspeeds, with depression of switch actuator 13 serving to stop motor 40.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternate embodiment of the invention isshown wherein the switch actuators are arranged on two levels. Theembodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 is quite similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2and thus will be described in only enough detail to permit anunderstanding of the differences between the two embodiments. in FIGS. 4and 5, a housing 50 includes a first level of four push-button switchactuators, three of which denoted 61, 62 and 63 are shown, and a secondlevel of four actuators denoted 64, 65, 66 and 67. The second level issupported on an intermediate floor section 52 which includes an opening54 therein for receiving a vertically movable sliding block 70. Eachlevel of housing 50 includes a plurality of laterally movable blocks(two of which denoted 72 and 74 are shown in FIG. 4). These blocks areof the form described hereinabove except for end blocks 76 and 78,positioned adjacent block 70 (see FIG. 5), which also include laterallysloping cam surfaces 76a and 78a, respectively. Block 70 includes upperand lower cam surfaces 70a and 70b which are adapted to respectivelycoact with cam surfaces 760 and 78a of blocks 76 and 78, respectively.Thus movement of block 70 between a first, uppermost position and asecond, lowermost position (shown in FIG. 5), is controlled by thedepression of the push button actuators as described hereinabove, thedepression of the four actuators, including actuators 61, 62, 63, of thefirst level causing displacement of block 70 to the first, uppermostposition and the depression of actuators 64, 65, 66 and 67 of the secondor upper level causing displacement of block 70 to the second, lowermostposition. Block 78 carries a contact 780 which cooperates with contacts34a'34b: and 340 which control the connection and disconnection of adiode corresponding to diode 46 as discussed hereinabove. These lattercontacts mounted a circuit board 80 affixed to housing 50 and formingthe upper wall thereof. Circuit board 80 also includes switch contacts(contacts 65 65 and 65 being indicated in FIG. 4) which cooperate withswitch contacts carried by actuators 64 to 67 to control energizationand the operating speed of a motor corresponding to motor 40 of FIG. 3.A lower circuit board 82 includes a similar series of contacts. FIG. 4showing contacts 61 61 and 61;, mounted on board 82 and cooperating withassociated actuator-carried contact 61c.

Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to anexemplary embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art that variations and modifications may be effectedwithin the scope and spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a motor control system for small appliances or the like, aswitching arrangement comprising: a housing; a plurality oflongitudinally displaceable switch actuators moveable between a firstunactuated position and a second actuated position, each of saidactuators carrying a switch contact and including a pushbutton portionextending outwardly of said housing; means for providing a wedgingaction for preventing the remainder of said plurality of actuators frombeing actuated when one of said actuators is actuated in the absence ofanother of said actuators being positively actuated and for returning apreviously actuated actuator to the unactuated position thereof uponactuation of a further actuator, said means including a plurality oflaterally displaceable block members located within said housing, eachof said actuators, when actuated, entering between one of said blockmembers and a further surface or between two of said block members andthe total spacing between said block members when that actuator isactuated and for positively retaining that actuator in the unactuatedposition thereof when that actuator is unactuated such that when anactuator is actuated that actuator will be retained in the actuatedstate thereof and the remaining actuators will be retained in theunactuated states thereof, said switching arrangement further comprisingat least one contact carried by at least one of said block members,

at least one further contact associated with said housing forcooperating with said block member-carried contact to form a furtherswitch, said contact carrying block member being movable between firstand second positions and including detenting means for positivelyretaining said block member in said first position and in said secondposition.

2. In a motor control system for small appliances or the like, aswitching arrangement comprising: a housing; a plurality oflongitudinally displaceable switch actuators moveable between a firstunactuated position and a second actuated position, each of saidactuators carrying a switch contact and including a pushbutton portionextending outwardly of said housing; means for providing a wedgingaction for preventing the remainder of said plurality of actuators frombeing actuated when one of said actuators is actuated in the absence ofanother of said actuators being positively actuated and for returning apreviously actuated actuator to the unactuated position thereof uponactuation of a further actuator, said means including a plurality oflaterally displaceable block members located within said housing, eachof said actuators, when actuated, entering between one of said blockmembers and a further surface or between two of said block members andthe total spacing between said block members being such that only onesaid actuator can be actuated at a time; and a plurality of sets ofcontacts associated with said housing for individually cooperating witha corresponding contact carried by said actuators to form a plurality ofcontrol switches, said actuators each including detenting means forpositively retaining the corresponding actuator in the actuated positionthereof when that actuator is actuated and for positively retaining thatactuator in the unactuated position thereof when that actuator isunactuated such that when an actuator is actuated that actuator will beretained in the actuated state thereof and the remaining actuators willbe retained in the unactuated states thereof, said detenting meanscomprising a projection on each of said switch contacts carried by saidactuators for engaging between the contacts of the corresponding set ofcontacts associated with said housing and means for biasing saidactuator carried contacts into engagement between said sets of contacts,each said projection engaging between a first two contacts of thecorresponding set of contacts associated with the housing in theactuated position thereof and engaging between a second two contacts ofsaid corresponding set of contacts in the unactuated position thereof.

3. In a motor control system for small appliances or the like, aswitching arrangement comprising: a housing; a plurality oflongitudinally displaceable switch actuators, each of said actuatorscarrying a switch contact and including a pushbutton portion extendingoutwardly of said housing; means for providing a wedging action forpreventing the remainder of said plurality of actuators from beingactuated when one of said actuators is actuated in the absence ofanother of said actuators being positively actuated and 'for returning apreviously actuated actuator to the unactuated position thereof uponactuation of a further actuator, said means including a plurality oflaterally displaceable block members located within said housing, eachof said actuators, when actuated, entering between one of said blockmembers and a further surface or between two of said block members andthe total spacing between said block members being such that only onesaid actuator can be actuated at a time; anda plurality of sets ofcontacts associated with said housing for in-- dividually cooperatingwith a corresponding contact carried by said actuators to form aplurality of control switches, said switching arrangement furthercomprising at least one contact carried by at least one of said blockmembers, and at least one further contact associated with said housingfor cooperating with said block mem her-carried contact to form afurther switch.

4. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said blockmembers include first and second beveled surfaces and said actuatorsinclude first and second beveled surfaces, the beveled level surfaces ofsaid block members and said actuators cooperating to enable anactuator-to enter between a pair of block members upon actuation thereofand to providede-actuation of previously actuated actuator uponactuation ofa further actuator.

'5. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said housingincludes means for preventing longitudinal movement of said blockmembers while permitting lateral movement thereof and for limiting thelongitudinal movement of said actuators.

6. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said housingincludes a circuit board secured to an open end thereof on which saidplurality of sets of contacts are mounted.

7. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 3 wherein saidplurality of actuators comprises a first set of actuators located on onelevel within said housing and a second set of actuators located on asecond level within said housing, a first set of said block memberslocated on said first level cooperating with said first set ofactuators, a second set of block members located on said second levelcooperating with said second set of actuators and a further block memberlocated between said first and second levels providing interactionbetween said first and second sets of block members.

8. In a motor control system asclaimed in claim 3 wherein said motorcontrol system includes a motor having a first and second statorwindings, said switching arrangement selectively controlling theconnection of said windings into circuit relationship with a source ofelectrical energy.

9. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said firstwinding includes first and second taps along the length thereof, saidswitching arrangement providing selective connection of portions of saidtapped winding to said source.

10. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 8 further comprising adiode selectably connected into circuit relationship with said source inaccordance with the setting of said further switch. a

11. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 10 wherein said firstwinding includes first and second taps along the length thereof and saidplurality of actuators comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth,sixth, seventh and eighth actuators, said first actuator controllingdisconnection of said motor from said source, said second actuatorproviding energization of said first and second windings by said sourcethrough said diode, said third actuator providing energization of saidsecond winding and the portion of said first winding connected beyondsaid firsttap through said diode, said fourth actuator providingenergization of said second I I winding and the portionof said firstwinding connected beyond said second tap through said diode, said fifthactuator providing energization of said first and second windings fromsaid source with said diode disconnected, said sixth actuator providingenergization of said second winding and the portion of said firstwinding connected beyond said first tap with said diode disconnected,said seventh actuator providing energization of said second winding andthe portion of said first winding connected beyond said second tap'withsaid diode disconnected and said eighth actuator providing energizationof said second winding withsaid diode disconnected, whereby sevendistinct motor speeds are provided.

1. In a motor control system for small appliances or the like, aswitching arrangement comprising: a housing; a plurality oflongitudinally displaceable switch actuators moveable between a firstunactuated position and a second actuated position, each of saidactuators carrying a switch contact and including a pushbutton portionextending outwardly of said housing; means for providing a wedgingaction for preventing the remainder of said plurality of actuators frombeing actuated when one of said actuators is actuated in the absence ofanother of said actuators being positively actuated and for returning apreviously actuated actuator to the unactuated position thereof uponactuation of a further actuator, said means including a plurality oflaterally displaceable block members located within said housing, eachof said actuators, when actuated, entering between one of said blockmembers and a further surface or between two of said block members andthe total spacing between said block members being such that only onesaid actuator can be actuated at a time; and a plurality of sets ofcontacts assocaited with said housing for individually cooperating witha corresponding contact carried by said actuators to form a plurality ofcontrol switches, said actuators each including detenting means forpositively retaining the corresponDing actuator in the actuated positionthereof when that actuator is actuated and for positively retaining thatactuator in the unactuated position thereof when that actuator isunactuated such that when an actuator is actuated that actuator will beretained in the actuated state thereof and the remaining actuators willbe retained in the unactuated states thereof, said switching arrangementfurther comprising at least one contact carried by at least one of saidblock members, at least one further contact associated with said housingfor cooperating with said block member-carried contact to form a furtherswitch, said contact carrying block member being movable between firstand second positions and including detenting means for positivelyretaining said block member in said first position and in said secondposition.
 2. In a motor control system for small appliances or the like,a switching arrangement comprising: a housing; a plurality oflongitudinally displaceable switch actuators moveable between a firstunactuated position and a second actuated position, each of saidactuators carrying a switch contact and including a pushbutton portionextending outwardly of said housing; means for providing a wedgingaction for preventing the remainder of said plurality of actuators frombeing actuated when one of said actuators is actuated in the absence ofanother of said actuators being positively actuated and for returning apreviously actuated actuator to the unactuated position thereof uponactuation of a further actuator, said means including a plurality oflaterally displaceable block members located within said housing, eachof said actuators, when actuated, entering between one of said blockmembers and a further surface or between two of said block members andthe total spacing between said block members being such that only onesaid actuator can be actuated at a time; and a plurality of sets ofcontacts associated with said housing for individually cooperating witha corresponding contact carried by said actuators to form a plurality ofcontrol switches, said actuators each including detenting means forpositively retaining the corresponding actuator in the actuated positionthereof when that actuator is actuated and for positively retaining thatactuator in the unactuated position thereof when that actuator isunactuated such that when an actuator is actuated that actuator will beretained in the actuated state thereof and the remaining actuators willbe retained in the unactuated states thereof, said detenting meanscomprising a projection on each of said switch contacts carried by saidactuators for engaging between the contacts of the corresponding set ofcontacts associated with said housing and means for biasing saidactuator carried contacts into engagement between said sets of contacts,each said projection engaging between a first two contacts of thecorresponding set of contacts associated with the housing in theactuated position thereof and engaging between a second two contacts ofsaid corresponding set of contacts in the unactuated position thereof.3. In a motor control system for small appliances or the like, aswitching arrangement comprising: a housing; a plurality oflongitudinally displaceable switch actuators, each of said actuatorscarrying a switch contact and including a pushbutton portion extendingoutwardly of said housing; means for providing a wedging action forpreventing the remainder of said plurality of actuators from beingactuated when one of said actuators is actuated in the absence ofanother of said actuators being positively actuated and for returning apreviously actuated actuator to the unactuated position thereof uponactuation of a further actuator, said means including a plurality oflaterally displaceable block members located within said housing, eachof said actuators, when actuated, entering between one of said blockmembers and a further surface or between two of said block members andthe total spacing between Said block members being such that only onesaid actuator can be actuated at a time; anda plurality of sets ofcontacts associated with said housing for individually cooperating witha corresponding contact carried by said actuators to form a plurality ofcontrol switches, said switching arrangement further comprising at leastone contact carried by at least one of said block members, and at leastone further contact associated with said housing for cooperating withsaid block member-carried contact to form a further switch.
 4. In amotor control system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said block membersinclude first and second beveled surfaces and said actuators includefirst and second beveled surfaces, the beveled level surfaces of saidblock members and said actuators cooperating to enable an actuator toenter between a pair of block members upon actuation thereof and toprovide de-actuation of previously actuated actuator upon actuation of afurther actuator.
 5. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 4wherein said housing includes means for preventing longitudinal movementof said block members while permitting lateral movement thereof and forlimiting the longitudinal movement of said actuators.
 6. In a motorcontrol system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said housing includes acircuit board secured to an open end thereof on which said plurality ofsets of contacts are mounted.
 7. In a motor control system as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said plurality of actuators comprises a first set ofactuators located on one level within said housing and a second set ofactuators located on a second level within said housing, a first set ofsaid block members located on said first level cooperating with saidfirst set of actuators, a second set of block members located on saidsecond level cooperating with said second set of actuators and a furtherblock member located between said first and second levels providinginteraction between said first and second sets of block members.
 8. In amotor control system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said motor controlsystem includes a motor having a first and second stator windings, saidswitching arrangement selectively controlling the connection of saidwindings into circuit relationship with a source of electrical energy.9. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said firstwinding includes first and second taps along the length thereof, saidswitching arrangement providing selective connection of portions of saidtapped winding to said source.
 10. In a motor control system as claimedin claim 8 further comprising a diode selectably connected into circuitrelationship with said source in accordance with the setting of saidfurther switch.
 11. In a motor control system as claimed in claim 10wherein said first winding includes first and second taps along thelength thereof and said plurality of actuators comprising first, second,third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth actuators, said firstactuator controlling disconnection of said motor from said source, saidsecond actuator providing energization of said first and second windingsby said source through said diode, said third actuator providingenergization of said second winding and the portion of said firstwinding connected beyond said first tap through said diode, said fourthactuator providing energization of said second winding and the portionof said first winding connected beyond said second tap through saiddiode, said fifth actuator providing energization of said first andsecond windings from said source with said diode disconnected, saidsixth actuator providing energization of said second winding and theportion of said first winding connected beyond said first tap with saiddiode disconnected, said seventh actuator providing energization of saidsecond winding and the portion of said first winding connected beyondsaid second tap with said diode disconnected and said eighth actuatorproviding energization of said second wiNding with said diodedisconnected, whereby seven distinct motor speeds are provided.